Austin’s rental market remains competitive, ranking third in the nation for new rental constructions in 2024. With so many new homes being built, attracting long-term, responsible tenants is more important than ever. Families are often the most reliable tenants, as they tend to stay longer and are more likely to care for a home that suits their lifestyle. 

Enter: The kid-friendly smart home.

Today’s families have high standards and are increasingly looking for homes that are safe, comfortable, and practical for daily life with kids. As a landlord, creating a kid-friendly smart home can help you meet these demands.

So, in this guide, we’ll discuss how to combine smart technology with family-friendly features to attract families, reduce vacancies, and increase your ROI. 

Let’s dive in!

Why Kid-Friendly Smart Homes are in Demand in Austin

Nationally, there’s a growing trend among renters looking for smart homes equipped with practical layouts, energy-saving technology, and features that fit a busy family routine. According to research, the smart home industry is expected to grow from $128 billion in 2024 to $1.4 trillion by 2034, and Austin is already ahead of the curve with its young, tech-savvy population.

As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, the city is also a magnet for modern families. In fact, Austin ranks eighth among large U.S. metros for the percentage of households with children, with nearly 30% of homes housing at least one child. It also holds the top spot for its green spaces and is the seventh greenest metro in the country. 

Parents in Austin are looking for homes that have energy-efficient systems, built-in safety features for kids, and tech upgrades that make their lives easier. Creating a kid-friendly smart home that has these features and is "move-in ready" increases the overall value of the property, making vacancies less likely. 

Durable & Kid-Friendly Finishes

To help your property hold up against the daily activities of family life, consider incorporating:

• High-Traffic, Scratch-Resistant Flooring: Materials like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile are best for active households and Austin’s climate. They’re easy to clean, water-resistant, and more durable than carpet, which can stain, or hardwood, which may scratch. 

• Washable, Low-VOC Paints: Kids are messy, and walls often take the hit. Low-VOC paints improve indoor air quality — a must for kids with allergies or asthma — and make crayon marks and food smudges easier to remove. 

• Rounded-Edge Countertops and Soft-Close Cabinets: These reduce risk of injury for toddlers and help minimize noise in busy family kitchens. They’re also seen as an upscale bonus by parents with babies or light sleepers. 

And the cherry on top? Durable finishes not only look great but reduce turnover-related repairs and long-term maintenance costs for landlords. 

Smart Home Essentials Parents Love

Smart technology helps parents stay organized, save money, and keep their families safe.

We have years of experience placing families in rentals across the country — here are some must-haves we see come up again and again: 

• Smart Thermostats: In the summer, Austin temperatures frequently rise into the hundreds, making a programmable thermostat a game changer for busy families. Options like Nest or Honeywell let parents control the temperature from their phones and can reduce energy costs by up to 15%.

• Smart Locks & Video Doorbells: Parents can let in sitters, kids, or family members remotely and keep tabs on who’s coming and going, even while they’re at work or on vacation. Adding this extra layer of security gives families peace of mind.

• Leak Detectors & Smart Smoke/CO2 Alarms: These devices offer 24/7 monitoring and send real-time alerts to a parent’s phone in case of fire or gas leaks — whether the family is home or away. With nearly 60% of fire deaths occurring in homes without working alarms, smart detectors provide critical peace of mind and help prevent emergencies from escalating, especially when kids are home alone.

Consider bundling these features as a tech "package" and highlighting them in your listing, allowing you to justify a premium rental rate. 

Kid-Friendly Extras to Set Your Property Apart

If you want your property to really stand out, these simple additions can create a space that supports the whole family: 

• Built-in child safety gates or babyproofing hardware: Cabinet latches, outlet covers, and even pre-installed baby gates in stairways show forethought and make the home feel move-in ready for parents. 

• Fenced-in backyard or secure outdoor play areas: In family-friendly neighborhoods, fenced-in yards or patio areas offer parents peace of mind when their kids are outside playing. 

• Blackout shades or smart blinds: Shades or blinds that keep the sun out can help parents maintain a healthy nap schedule or bedtime routine, especially in the summer months when the sun sets late. 

• Dedicated "flex space": A bonus room that can serve as a playroom, reading nook, or home office appeals to modern families with hybrid work schedules and the need for homework-friendly setups. 

The Power of Location + Layout

In Austin, the location of a rental property can make or break its appeal to families. If they apply, be absolutely sure to highlight proximity to any of these popular kid-friendly amenities in your listing: 

• Barton Springs Community Pool (Downtown Austin): A spring-fed swimming hole perfect for cooling off during hot Austin summers. 

• Zilker Park (South Austin): An iconic green space with playgrounds, a miniature train, and seasonal family events and activities. 

• The Thinkery (East Austin): A hands-on children’s museum designed for learning through play. 

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (South Austin): A 284-acre nature preserve complete with gardens, hiking trails, and interactive outdoor play areas. 

Families also pay close attention to school zones when choosing a rental. Neighborhood zones in top-rated Austin ISD and Eanes ISD, such as Barton Hills, Circle C Ranch, and Westlake, tend to be in high demand among renters with school-aged children.

Along with proximity to amenities, layout also matters. Open floor plans allow parents to easily supervise their kids while cooking or working, while ample storage — like closets, walk-in pantries, and garage space — make it easier for families to keep toys, strollers, and seasonal gear all organized. 

Marketing Your Kid-Friendly Smart Home in Austin

As soon as you’ve turned the property into a kid-friendly smart home, it’s time to list it online. To attract the right tenants, make sure to: 

• Use keywords like "kid-friendly," "smart home," “family-friendly,” "safe and secure," and "tech-upgraded."

• Include bright, well-staged photos that clearly show your home’s modern amenities and kid-friendly perks, such as the fenced-in yard, flex room, smart devices, and durable finishes. 

• Add a virtual tour so parents can start to picture their lives in the space, all from the comfort of their current home

Renting Your Kid-Friendly Smart Home with Ease

In a city full of renters, making your property a kid-friendly smart home is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only can it help catch the eye of interested families, but it can also increase your earning potential and encourage renters to stay longer.

Simple upgrades — like smart locks, low-maintenance finishes, and fenced play areas — lead to fewer vacancies and happier tenants. Ultimately, when upgrading your property, just think like a modern family to prioritize the features those renters are searching for. 

Ready to transform your Austin rental into an Auatin family’s dream home? At Evernest, our property management team offers assistance with marketing, upgrades, tenant placement, and more. Reach out today to learn how we can help you create a kid-friendly smart home, find and keep high-quality tenants, and ultimately grow your passive income.